Blake Snell returns to Dodgers rotation Tuesday

The Los Angeles Dodgers are making significant roster moves and navigating a complex injury landscape as they push towards a potential World Series threepeat. Pitcher Blake Snell is officially set to return to the rotation, while fellow hurler Will Klein faces a critical decision regarding surgery for bone chips in his elbow.

Meanwhile, newly acquired Kris Bubic continues his rehabilitation, prospect Kendall George is out for the season, and catcher Chuckie Robinson has been outrighted to Triple-A.

Blake Snell returns to bolster rotation

These developments highlight the constant churn of a Major League Baseball season, where player health and roster flexibility often dictate a team’s fortunes. The Dodgers, renowned for their depth, are testing that strength as several key figures face uncertain timelines or new roles within the organization.

Two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell is poised to make his much-anticipated return to the Dodgers rotation on Tuesday, August 12, 2026. He’ll pitch at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium against the Kansas City Royals, marking his first appearance since mid-May. This return provides a significant boost for the club as it eyes another deep postseason run.

Snell’s season has been plagued by injuries, starting on the injured list with shoulder fatigue. After just one start, he returned to the injured list in May due to loose bodies in his pitching elbow. He underwent the advanced “NanoNeedle” procedure to address the issue.

Snell’s extensive injury history and contract implications

Injuries aren’t new for Blake Snell, who has an 11-year career marked by various physical setbacks. These included shoulder fatigue in 2018 and arthroscopic surgery for loose bodies in his left elbow in 2019. His ongoing battle with a left adductor strain also led to five injured list stints over four seasons.

The Dodgers signed the left-hander to a substantial five-year, $182 million contract in November 2024, a deal that included a $52 million signing bonus. Despite the significant investment, Snell has logged only 64 1/3 regular-season innings since joining Los Angeles.

He missed most of the 2025 season with shoulder inflammation but returned to post a 2.41 ERA in 52 1/3 innings down the stretch, followed by a 3.18 ERA in 34 postseason innings during the Dodgers’ 2025 World Series championship campaign. The team hopes for similar performance after this latest layoff.

Will Klein battles elbow bone chips

Right-handed pitcher Will Klein landed on the Dodgers’ 15-day injured list on August 1, initially cited for right elbow discomfort. However, reports from Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic now indicate an MRI revealed bone chips in his throwing elbow. The critical decision of whether he’ll require surgery remains pending.

If traditional surgery is needed, Klein’s season could be in jeopardy. But there’s a less invasive option: the NanoNeedle procedure for removing loose bodies. If he’s a candidate for this advanced treatment, he could potentially return in about six weeks, mirroring the recovery of teammate Tarik Skubal earlier this season. Snell also underwent this procedure in May, making him another valuable resource for Klein.

Klein’s recent struggles and past heroics

Klein, who debuted in MLB in 2024, showed immense promise after his trade to the Dodgers in June 2025. He recorded an impressive 2.35 ERA over 15 1/3 regular-season innings that year. His postseason contributions were even more memorable, including five scoreless innings during the 2025 World Series.

Notably, he pitched four critical scoreless innings in the Dodgers’ 6-5, 18-inning Game 3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, earning the win for the eventual champions.

This season, Klein posted a 3.67 ERA over 41 2/3 innings, with a 25.9% strikeout rate and 11.1% walk rate. His early season performance was strong, holding a 2.27 ERA through his first 35 2/3 frames.

However, his elbow issues likely contributed to a sharp decline in his most recent outings, where he registered a 12.00 ERA over his final five games and six innings before his injured list placement.

Kris Bubic’s path to Dodgers debut

The newly acquired Kris Bubic is also aiming to make an impact, though his Dodgers debut won’t happen immediately. The left-hander, who was an All-Star in 2025, remains on the 60-day injured list. He joined the Dodgers from the Kansas City Royals on August 4, 2026, in exchange for right-handed pitcher Carlos Duran, bolstering the team’s pitching depth ahead of the trade deadline.

Bubic’s 2026 season has been marred by a left flexor strain, initially misidentified as elbow soreness in May. His recovery was further complicated by a shoulder impingement during his ramp-up process. He’s recently begun throwing bullpen sessions, signaling progress in his lengthy rehabilitation.

Bubic’s expected role and past performance

The Dodgers plan to utilize Bubic as a reliever, a role where he’s previously excelled. This strategic shift could shorten his minor league rehab assignment. In 2024, while easing back from Tommy John surgery, he posted a strong 2.67 ERA, 32.2% strikeout rate, and 4.1% walk rate over 30 1/3 relief innings for the Royals. That performance demonstrated his potential effectiveness out of the bullpen.

Throughout his seven-year career, the 28-year-old Bubic has predominantly been a starter, holding a 22-38 record with a 4.14 ERA over 522 innings. But as a reliever, his career numbers are even better, with a 2.97 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 37 appearances. In 2025, he had an outstanding year, hurling 116 1/3 innings with a 2.55 ERA over 20 starts, earning him All-Star honors.

Kendall George’s season cut short

Outfield prospect Kendall George will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing knee surgery. George, a 2023 draft pick, shared the news on Instagram. While described as a relatively minor procedure, it means his promising season has come to an early end. He’s expected to be fully healthy by Spring Training next year.

George turned heads in High-A ball last season, swiping an incredible 100 bases out of 124 attempts. This year, across A-ball and Double-A, he hit .329/.419/.396 with 36 stolen bases in 42 tries over 278 plate appearances.

His initial left knee injury in May gained social media attention when he had to quickly jump to avoid a team bat dog rushing towards home plate after he scored a run. Such unexpected events often define the sport, much like a dramatic walk-off win.

Chuckie Robinson outrighted to Triple-A

Catcher Chuckie Robinson has been outrighted to Triple-A, clearing waivers for the second time in as many months. Robinson chose to accept his previous outright assignment and could do so again. This decision comes as the Dodgers face an uncertain catching situation due to injuries to primary catcher Will Smith and prospect Dalton Rushing.

Robinson’s continued presence in the organization, even off the 40-man roster, offers the Dodgers some depth at a critical position. His willingness to remain within the system provides a valuable veteran presence for the Triple-A squad and a potential call-up option should further injuries arise at the major league level.

Dodgers’ championship aspirations amidst health challenges

The Los Angeles Dodgers are clearly committed to contending for another World Series title, demonstrated by their proactive acquisition of Kris Bubic. Yet, the persistent injury concerns surrounding key pitchers like Blake Snell and Will Klein, along with the season-ending injury to prospect Kendall George, present ongoing challenges.

Managing these health issues effectively will be paramount for manager Dave Roberts and the Dodgers front office. The NanoNeedle procedure, utilized by Snell and potentially an option for Klein, represents a a modern medical intervention that could significantly shorten recovery times. Its emergence could be a game-changer for pitcher longevity.

With Snell returning, the immediate pitching outlook improves. However, the depth of the bullpen and rotation will continue to be tested, especially if Klein’s situation requires a longer recovery or more invasive surgery. The team’s ability to integrate Bubic effectively into a relief role will also be crucial as they navigate the demanding stretch run of the season and prepare for the postseason.